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The functions of the Air Safety Board were transferred to the Civil Aeronautics Board on June 30, 1940, pursuant to the provisions of Reorganization Plans III and IV and Public Resolution No. 75, 76th Congress. The Civil Aeronautics Board, therefore, having considered the evidence adduced in the investigation and research by the Air Safety Board, hereby reports, pursuant to the provisions of Section 702(a)(2) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended, the facts, conditions and circumstances relating to the accident and its conclusion as to the probable cause thereof.
FACTS, CONDITIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES:
Aircraft of United States registry NC 19905, a Boeing 307-B, belonging to Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "TWA") departed Kansas City, Missouri, at 2:43 p.m. (CST) en route to Albuquerque, New Mexico, designated as flight "Boeing 'G-A' of May 17, 1940". This flight was a non-scheduled operation and was a part of the 100-hour Proving Run of the aircraft which was required by the Civil Air Regulations prior to approval by the Civil Aeronautics Authority for scheduled operation over the routes of Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc.
The aircraft was manufactured by the Boeing Aircraft Corporation, Seattle, Washington, and was delivered to TWA a short time preceding the flight herein involved. It had been certificated as airworthy by the Civil Aeronautics Authority and had been approved for operation with a gross weight not to exceed 45,000 pounds. It was equipped
